10 Best Coffee Beans in Singapore

One of the exciting reasons to wake up to every morning is a cup of joe. Just catching the freshly roasted coffee beans’ unique, strong aroma filling the kitchen air wakes us up and motivates us to anticipate our day’s activities. It’s also amazing how it makes everything much more appetising and flavourful—whether bagels, savoury sandwiches, waffles, scrambled eggs and bacon, and anything you can think of on the breakfast table. That said, coffee has become a non-negotiable morning beverage for most households.

Many of us have even invested in pricey yet top-quality espresso machines so that we don’t need to drop by those city coffee shops every time just to satisfy our hankering for caffeine. But what is a high-end espresso machine without the best quality coffee beans that won’t only put you in the zone first thing in the morning but would also give you an unforgettable flavour that you’ll keep coming back to? And so, in this article, we’ll take you to some of the most well-sought coffee shops and roasteries where you can find the best coffee beans in Singapore. Of course, do not forget your coffee machine or cold brew coffee maker.

1. Apartment Coffee

For someone who desires to embark on a more adventurous route, you’re on the right path at Apartment Coffee. Here, you get to sample different roasts from different parts of the world, and what’s available depends on what’s in season at the time. Thus, you get to try new, exciting flavours every few weeks, and experience their distinct qualities that set them apart of other coffee beans from other origins. This is consistent with their brand’s mission to tell the story of each coffee through their craft and passion. By letting their customers experience different coffee roasts from various regions and countries, it’s like taking them to a unique escape and offering them a glimpse, taste and aroma of what their favourite breakfast beverage is like in that place.

It’s perfect then that they offer a monthly subscription plan that allows you to get a steady supply of their freshly roasted whole coffee beans. Your home will never witness those bad mornings again just because you run out of coffee! It’s also cool that their subscribers get an exclusive chance to sample their carefully chosen seasonal coffees.

Since the year it was founded, Apartment Coffee has brought home several awards for their excellence. They were the champion in the 2018 Singapore Brewers Cup and the 2019 Singapore Roaster Forum. It was also in 2018 when they won 6^th place in the World Brewers Cup, which means, by taking home their coffee, you’ll be proud to display world-class roasts in your pantry.

2. Chye Seng Huat Hardware

I know what’s on your mind. It’s quite intriguing how a hardware made it to this list, but before you jump into conclusion, it’s not what you think it is. The coffee bar pays tribute to the hardware heritage of the site, hence the name Chye Seng Huat Hardware. Back in those days, people flock here to buy construction supplies for their renovations and building projects. But since its conversion to a cosy café, the surrounding community enjoys the enchanting aroma of coffee wafting from the two-storey complex.

Their dedicated retail space is where you can find their wide selection of coffee beans, and other coffee-related products, equipment and accessories. But during your visit, expect that it’s more than just any typical shopping experience. You can look forward to an engaging discussion with their coffee experts who love to nerd out about all things where coffee is involved. From brew ratios to grind size and best brew practices, they’ll walk you through the basics that will equip you with proper knowledge to make the best coffee at home that suits your personal preference.

Consistent to their aim to evoke nostalgic mood within the café reminding its customers of its history as an old hardware store, the interiors embrace a cosy, industrial appeal with a subtle touch of vintage vibe. It’s definitely a place you can stay the whole afternoon if you want to, especially if you need laser-like focus when you take your work outside your usual office. So, if you want to try their coffees before taking them home with you, wake up early, go for a jog, and drop by here for breakfast. They say their croissants are phenomenal, so it’s definitely a fantastic treat for yourself as you start your day of activities.

3. Common Man Coffee Roasters

Common Man Coffee Roasters has one of the widest selection of coffees—from single origins to their own signature blends to filter roasts and uncommon coffees, there’s always something for someone who loves either mainstream flavour profiles or the brave, adventurous kinds. What we love about CMCR is that they champion responsibly and sustainably sourced coffee beans. So, when you buy your coffee from them, it’s like giving back to the environment and to the community who worked hard on the crops. They also actively participate in charities and causes by donating some of their earnings, which means by supporting their business, you’re able to help them raise the amount they need for those helpful donations.

All these are just some of the reasons why it has easily become a favourite hangout spot among coffee lovers. Their flavourful espressos made with freshly roasted coffee beans are best paired with any of the delectable and hearty selections from their all-day brunch menu. And since coffee-holics become really cranky when they’re out of coffee, it’s wonderful that CMCR has also arranged for blend subscriptions, which means you can have their signature blends delivered at your doorstep every week, every after two weeks, or you decide—the frequency is truly up to you.

If you wish to learn more about the art and science of coffeemaking, you can take a few courses at their barista academy. Get an overview of essential coffee knowledge, the fundamental barista skills or learn how to make beautiful latte art so you can always make that Instagrammable coffee at home. Also, wouldn’t that be a cute, sweet surprise for your hubby or wifey who looks forward to lovely breakfasts with you every day?

4. Dutch Colony Coffee Co.

One feedback we’ve heard about a Dutch Colony Coffee outlet is that it’s difficult to get seats even on weekends. While we could be a little disappointed about that, it only means one thing: that people are willing to wait in line just to enjoy a cup of joe from them! Well, you’ll understand when you learn about their secret, or should we say, their thoughtful, hands-on process of selecting the best quality coffee beans themselves by traveling to farms and forming partnerships with farmers. They also celebrate the craft of coffeemaking with others who love the beverage by heading workshops that teach people basic barista knowledge as well as latte art making. If you’re interested in any of those workshops, stay tuned to their social media accounts or website for upcoming announcements.

Their carefully curated collection includes both single origin coffee beans and blends as well as decaf and drip bag options. They also sell coffee-related products and merchandise. So, if you need an item for your home collection, check out their online shop for interesting finds. Their subscription plan allows you to have your orders automatically delivered straight at your doorstep on your selected schedule. This service is ideal for those who want to a more flexible subscription plan, since you’ll have full control in terms of picking your own schedule—yup day and time each week, every other week, every month, or whatever works for you. You can modify, pause or cancel your subscription anytime.

5. Five Oars Coffee Roasters

Would you believe that the coffee journey of this chic industrial café all started one typical day in the living room when a group of friends were having a lively conversation about coffee and the satisfaction it brings? That’s where it all began, and as they say, the rest is history. Fast-forward to today, they’re one of the most popular coffee shops in Singapore, and people crave not just for their coffee but their awesome food as well. Good thing is that, besides dining-in at their physical outlet, they also run an active online store where people can place their orders and have these delivered anywhere in Singapore.

Consistent with their café’s minimalist vibe, they also keep their coffee menu simple and no-frills. As you’ll notice, their list only includes espresso, white, mocha, black, flight, cold brew and filter options, which is actually advantageous for those who have trouble making up their mind over what to order every time. They’d happily do a latte at your request though, if that’s something that you wish.

Their coffee beans on the other hand are a beautiful collection of both blends and seasonal single origins. Pick one right on their website and have this delivered whether at your home or office. Get this at your doorstep for a flat rate of $3.50 anywhere in Singapore.

6. Nylon Coffee Roasters

As you step inside Nylon Coffee Roasters, your first impression probably would be, “Oh, it’s so cosy right here in this cute little space.” While it’s a relatively small coffee shop as compared to other famous brands out there, brace yourself as you get to experience the humble roastery’s big, bold flavours. In fact, a lot of people rave about their great coffee, dubbing them as the best place where you can buy high-quality beans in Singapore.

What’s nice is that their prices remain affordable. Their secret? They continuously forge strong partnerships and friendships with local producers as they carry out frequent coffee farm tours where they really immerse themselves in understanding the whole coffee-making process—from farming to harvesting to processing the coffee cherries. The experiences and knowledge they obtain in these coffee tours equip them with better understanding and ideas on how to create great coffee that leave its drinker a lasting impression.

We love that they champion sustainability and write engaging stories in their journal that talk about the coffee farms where they source their single origin coffee beans, as well as the processes they employ.

Are you one of those who can’t get enough of their single origins? You’re totally allowed to hoard supplies in your pantry, as local orders totalling to $50 and above are entitled for free shipping!

7. Perk Coffee

United by their love for each other and for coffee, couple Paul and Serena happily share to other caffeine-obsessed folks out there one of the fruits of their love story, that’s none other than, Perk Coffee. The couple leaves no stone unturned as they hop from one country to another seeking the finest quality coffee beans from farm to farm. Paul, a farmer himself for many years, understands the struggles, challenges and hard work that are all part of the tedious farming process to offer people the freshest, best-quality produce. That’s why Perk Coffee commits to sourcing their coffee beans only in the most ethical, sustainable way. They support coffee farmers by paying above Fairtrade price. When you buy your coffee beans from Perk Coffee, you’re not only supporting the livelihood of these farmers, you’re also supporting ethical and sustainable coffee farming and sourcing practices.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a medium dark roast with flavours from toasted hazelnut and chocolate or light-roasted coffee beans with notes of berries, they have the best product for your palate. Plus, their online store also provides a collection of high-end coffee gear and accessories which will enable you to make coffee the way you want to and fully enjoy its unique flavour notes. They ship within 48 hours of roasting, so you get to sip a cupful of the freshest coffee.

Are you a new customer? Enjoy 30% discount plus free shipping on your first order when you sign up for subscription. You can select either weekly or monthly deliveries. No strict commitment required, you can pause or cancel your subscription anytime.

8. Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee

One of the well-known names in Singapore’s coffee scene is Mr. Tan Tiong Hoe, a coffee retailer back in the 1960s whose humble business has gradually grown to be one of the major suppliers of coffee to restaurants, hotels and ship chandlers. Taking inspiration from his father, Jacob along with his partner Juliana, continues his legacy in the name of Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee.

Initially, the roastery was only supplying wholesale coffee beans and coffee equipment to F&B outlets. But as the pleasing aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans wafts through the air every day, more and more people were drawn to their store, curious and excited to experience how their coffee tastes like. And so, we’re thankful that they’ve opened a small corner where serious coffee lovers can sit and converse while sampling their best-selling brews.

Go ahead and stock up on either their single origins or blends. There’s plenty to choose from in terms of flavour notes and origins. You can opt for sweet or fruity notes, nutty, or well-balanced flavours. Or, if you want your coffee roasted just the way you like it, you can get raw beans from them too.

And as you probably can relate, serious coffee lovers fear one thing: to find their pantry empty of coffee in the morning—the fool-proof way to ruin the start of the day and the rest of it. To avoid this scenario once and for all, Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee offers a convenient subscription service that does not only ensure you’re well-stocked with your favourite beverage, but also provides you with extensive choices. On top of that, you will be able to save up to $56 on coffee beans and shipping.

9. Toby’s Estate

Located in the picturesque area of Robertson Quay overlooking the calming Singapore River, you definitely need to come here at Toby’s Estate if you need a laid-back weekend. Their café has an outdoor sitting which is for me the best area to relax and enjoy the scenery over a cup of great-tasting coffee.

But that’s not the only place where you can enjoy their delightful brews. A wide range of single origin beans and coffee blends are available for you to take home. Loyal customers who constantly buy coffee from them say that in this café, you get to experience the joy of discovering new flavours every now and then. Yup, that’s right, they always experiment with new roasts and scout for the finest quality beans from around the globe.

If you’re a total beginner in the coffee-making world, but someone who’s super passionate about learning the craft at home, no worries. Their Coffee School got you covered. Right on their website, they publish various brew guides that you can always consult to make the best coffee at home—one that hubby or wifey will surely fall in love with!

10. Yahava KoffeeWorks

You don’t have to scour the world yourself to find the best coffee beans. Yahava KoffeeWorks has a search party to take care of that, and that’s what they actually do. In fact, their mission is summarised in this simple, short and sweet sentence: “We travel the world looking for the very best coffee beans, then bring them home, roast them and send them directly to your door.”

That said, you can say their coffee is the epitome of adventure in a cup. Their collection is a wealth of both single origin beans and coffee blends typically from Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Colombia, Rwanda, Sumatra, Mexico, Peru, and more from other countries that grow coffee.

I hope that this article has given you handy ideas on which cafes and roasteries sell the best coffee beans in Singapore. Please also share this with your family and friends who love coffee!